Carer involvement in research
In response to consultation with carers of people with mental health problems the carers grant (provided by the Department of Health) was used to fund a carer support worker in each Northumberland locality. The following research document details the results of a study undertaken by carers trained in research skills to evaluate the effectiveness of the new service.
Carers, as partners in care, are in the best position to evaluate services designed to support other carers, or indeed services that support the people for whom they care. An extract from the involvement report quotes a carer:
"The carers involved were delighted to have been asked to take on the research. At last we felt that carers were really recognised for the valuable input we could give to help others in the same position. Most important, we could do some valuable research for Northumberland Care Trust to evaluate some of the services that they provide."
Alongside the research document a report was also produced. This report reflects upon the involvement of carers as lay researchers in a service evaluation. It also makes recommendations for future involvement of carers in research.
